This Helldivers 2 squad just discovered a faster takeoff method

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The most pressing concern of every Helldivers 2 squad is a successful extraction. Sure, an operation doesn’t need an extraction to be successful. But the euphoria one feels on barely making it into the transport is priceless. What if you could shave some seconds off the extraction time?

If an official ability did it, there’s no chance it would escape our best stratagems list. But QuesadillaCook and his squad found a workaround. With a couple of seconds left before the shuttle’s departure, they dropped an SOS beacon right on top of the transport. The resulting drop flipped the transport into the sky, with the player hanging on for dear life. 

This pushed the transport airborne 10 seconds before the extraction, protecting them from the bugs and automatons that normally make leaving a hassle. By sheer luck or skill, the player gets inside the transport on time. It glitches back to the default liftoff position and all is well in the world again. The time saved can make a difference, especially on tougher difficulties.

An image of a transport carrier flying over a mountain peak in Helldivers 2. Image from QuesadillaCook on Reddit.

It’s a bizarre trick that brought back some Battlefield memories as the franchise is known for its vehicle near-misses and miracles. Helldivers 2 might not have vehicles and mechs right now but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of this mayhem makes its way to the Arrowhead Games title. The Reddit thread was abuzz with praise, with user Trauma-Team noting that it’s the ‘Quickest VTOL in the system!’ Speedier extractions are a godsend in Helldivers 2.

Another user NutCracker3000and1 noted that this wasn’t a surefire escape method and said ‘all fun and games until your ship doesn’t take off.’ While we haven’t been able to replicate the success of QuesadillaCook, it’s well worth an attempt. If anything, it’ll be another hilarious episode that Helldivers 2 seems to excel at. After all, diving into cover just as an ally’s supply drop crushes you is an experience few games can offer. For more on the co-op game taking PlayStation and PC by storm, check out the Helldivers 2 Twitch drops.